We study citrate
metabolism to put a halt
to cancer metastasis.

The challenge

Despite significant progress in cancer research and development of new therapies, advanced metastatic cancer remains a deadly disease. Metastatic cancer cells resistant to therapies are the main cause of disease recurrence and mortality.

Our approach

Cancer is often considered a metabolic disease with citrate as the main substrate in energy and building block synthesis. MetaSMIte research focuses on citrate metabolism, uptake and signaling in metastatic cancer cells. We concentrate on finding small molecule inhibitors for pmCiC and through reduced extracellular citrate uptake dysregulate cancer metabolism, reduce therapy resistance and target metastasis.

Future perspectives

We are constantly developing our understanding of citrate metabolism in metastatic cancer cells with a special emphasis on citrate uptake control and regulation of cytosolic citrate levels. These studies will support drug screening and identify the most targeted anti-cancer drug with minimal side effects.